ISP to maintain ramp and bridge closures for July 4th fireworks

Those attending the fireworks Friday on the Illinois Riverfront can expect ramp and bridge closures along I-74.

Illinois State Police will shut down ramps from Washington Street in Peoria to Main Street in East Peoria as well as the Murray Baker Bridge around 9:15 Friday night. They will remain closed until 10:30 depending on traffic congestion.

ISP District 8 Sergeant Dustin Pierce says state police have enforced this traffic pattern for years. But he says it’s important to remind people they cannot stop on the interstate to watch the fireworks.

“We’ll have squad cars that are constantly patrolling back and forth to keep people from stopping. We’ve had cars stop right in the middle of the interstate on the bridge before to try to watch the fireworks. So, (it’s) definitely completely unsafe and illegal to do so.”

Pierce says it’s also illegal for people to stop in traffic crash re-construction sites to watch the fireworks. He also reminds motorists to plan ahead and have a designated driver if they plan to drink over the holiday weekend.